Statement from family of Marine killed in Afghanistan

Marine Staff Sgt. Jeremy Smith, 26, and Navy Seaman Benjamin Rast, 23, both served with the Houston-based 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, also known as The Lone Star Battalion. They were both killed in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on Wednesday.

Late Friday, I was able to reach Rast’s father, Robert Rast, of Southbend, Ind., by telephone. You can read what he had to say about his son here.

Until now, I hadn’t been able to get hold of Smith’s family, who traveled to Dover Air Force Base to witness the return of the fallen Marine’s body today. This morning, they sent me the following statement and photographs.

This is a quote from Jerry Smith, Jeremy’s father. He is at this moment at Dover AFB receiving Jeremy’s body back to American soil.

“The Bible says that we are to run the race that is set before us. Jeremy did that even though it was a difficult race. He only had to do 2 tours but this is his 4th. As a leader with experience, he felt that he needed to go back, to insure that his guys made it home safely. That is why he did 4 tours.

“He has earned multiple medals from his past tours including the Medal of Valor, and will be receiving the Purple Heart posthumously at his full military burial at the Dallas National Cemetery, tentatively scheduled for Friday.

“His body will be flown in Tues or Wed to DFW airport with a full water canon salute. The family will be there to receive his body